Panasonic Computer Solutions Company has introduced the thin and light Toughbook F8 notebook computer and upgrades to the tablet alternative T8 and the ultraportable W8. The 8 Series will also include the Gobi 3G mobile broadband (WWAN) solution from Qualcomm Inc. that allows connection to high-speed mobile Internet services offered virtually anywhere in the world.
 
The new Toughbook F8 is said to be the world’s lightest 3G-ready notebook with a 14.1-in. wide display and an internal optical drive. Weighing 3.7 lb, it has an integrated handle for maximum portability, along with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, bright widescreen LCD, and a 160GB shock-mounted hard drive. Like all others in the line, it has a strong magnesium alloy case and chassis, shock-mounted hard drive and LCD, plus spill-resistant keyboard. There’s also a three-year warranty and an around-the-clock U.S.-based support team.

The 8 Series products offer a range of embedded wireless options, including 802.11a/b/g/draft-n and Bluetooth 2.0. The 8 Series will ship with optional embedded Gobi 3G technology. Gobi-enabled products allow seamless selection between mobile broadband carriers and simplified international roaming within a single embedded device. The Toughbook 8 Series will be certified on all major networks worldwide, allowing users to stay connected regardless of network availability in their current location and whether the network is using CDMA2000 EV-DO or HSPA/UMTS/GPRS technologies.
 
The 8 Series Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are available now at an estimated base street price of US$2099 (W8 and T8) and US$2499 (F8).